Graduation Internship

Van Oord; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 8,000 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Intensive supervision from engineers

Exposure to real projects

Multidisciplinary environment

Access to analysis tools

Job summary

Van Oord in Rotterdam invites a highly analytical Master’s student in Maritime Engineering or Naval Architecture to join a graduation internship focused on the operational behavior of our vessels. You will analyse hull motions and forces for cutter, hopper, or crane configurations, using ANSYS AQWA in collaboration with our Gorinchem office.

From day one you are part of SMD Design & Engineering, working with engineers and operations teams.

Qualifications

• Master's student in Maritime Engineering or Naval Architecture.
• Strong analytical mindset and ability to translate theory to practice.
• Interest in hydrodynamics and vessel motions.
• Experience with simulation tools such as ANSYS AQWA is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrodynamic analyses of existing vessels and proposed concepts using ANSYS AQWA in collaboration with Gorinchem office.
• Investigate vessel motions and structural responses under operational conditions.
• Translate analysis results into practical and innovative design improvements.
• Visit projects and engage with crew members to validate operational insights.
• Collaborate with engineers, project teams and fellow graduation students.

Skills

Analytical mindset

Hydrodynamics

Collaboration

Independent thinking

Communication of insights

Use of simulation tools

Education

Master's in Maritime Engineering

Naval Architecture

Tools

ANSYS AQWA

Job description

Environmental conditions, especially waves, directly affect the workability of maritime equipment. Above certain wave heights, operations must stop. This impacts safety, planning and overall project performance.

Within this graduation project, three dedicated assignments are available:

• Cutter dredgers – analysing forces on the spud pole and cutter head motions


• Hopper dredgers – focusing on the launching of the suction pipe system and gantry construction and the under keel clearance


• Crane vessels – analysing crane hook motions due to roll, pitch and heave

For these assignments, we are looking for a highly analytical Master’s student to investigate the operational behavior of our vessels and equipment. Depending on the vessel type, this could involve studying cutter dredgers, hopper dredgers, or crane vessels. You will analyse motions and forces, identify limiting factors, and contribute to solutions that improve performance and workability. The target is to double the allowable significant wave height, which requires very innovative solutions. We are looking for someone who is innovative, proactive, collaborative, and able to translate complex technical insights into practical recommendations.

You will be based at our Rotterdam head office, with close collaboration with our engineering department in Gorinchem. You will be part of SMD Design & Engineering and work intensively with engineers and specialists.

This graduation project is carried out together with two other students. You collaborate closely with each other, with your technical supervisor, and with operational teams. You will visit projects and vessels to speak with crew members and understand real operational challenges. From day one you are treated as a full team member.

You are a Master student in Maritime Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related technical field. You have a strong analytical mindset and enjoy combining theory with practice.

You also bring:

• Affinity with hydrodynamics and vessel motions


• Experience or interest in simulation tools such as ANSYS AQWA


• An innovative and out-of-the-box mindset


• Strong collaboration skills


• The ability to work independently and think beyond existing boundaries

You are available for a graduation internship of 4–6 months.

We offer you the opportunity to contribute to real engineering challenges that impact our global fleet.

In addition, we offer:

• Intensive supervision from experienced engineers


• Exposure to real projects and vessel operations


• Collaboration in a multidisciplinary and innovative environment


• Access to advanced analysis tools and software


• An inspiring and international workplace in Rotterdam

You will:

• Perform hydrodynamic analyses of an existing vessel and your proposed new concepts (including use of ANSYS AQWA in collaboration with our Gorinchem office)


• Investigate vessel motions and structural responses in operational conditions


• Translate analysis results into practical and innovative design improvements


• Visit projects and speak with crew members to validate operational insights


• Work closely with engineers, project teams and fellow graduation students

Your work will not remain theoretical. Your recommendations may directly influence future vessel design and operational guidelines.